Looking for any advice on preparing for my climb on Aconcagua this January. I'll be in the mtns most of December but would like to get in a few nights up higher and would prefer car sleeping out of convenience. What would be the highest road/trailhead?

• It's by getting away from life that we can see it most clearly... It's by depriving ourselves of the myriad of everyday experiences that we renew our appreciation for them...I've learned from my experiences in the mountains that I love life. — Dave Johnston• Mountains are not climbed merely to reach a geographical location — but as personal and spiritual challenges to the participants. — David Stein • The best climber in the world is the one who’s having the most fun.— Alex Lowe• Why do I climb the mountain? Because I'm in love! — The Captain

ThnkSno wrote:Looking for any advice on preparing for my climb on Aconcagua this January. I'll be in the mtns most of December but would like to get in a few nights up higher and would prefer car sleeping out of convenience. What would be the highest road/trailhead?

This year seems to be a bit odd due to the lack of snowfall. However that could change pretty quickly as we all know.

That being said, the highest paved road that is typically open year round is US-6 over Loveland pass, which is 11,990 feet. Not sure if there are any issues with parking at the top and car camping it, but that will likely be your best bet.

The next best bet would be CO-9 over Hoosier Pass, which is 11,541. Also paved and open year round.

Third option would be see if the City of Colorado springs would let you drive up the Pikes Peak highway (weather permitting) and sleep in the parking lot overnight. That gets you to 14,110 feet. The highway is open year round, but I am not sure what the rules are about being on the peak with a vehicle.

Until the next storms hit...there are probably a few trailheads that can get you up near 12,000 feet, but they will become an increasingly difficult task to get to, not to mention dangerious with ice and snow starting to take hold. Given you are just looking for nights at high altitude...Loveland or Hoosier are going to give you the best return on a pretty minimal investment.

-Ryan

"Climbing mountains is the only thing I know that combines the best of the physical, spiritual, and emotional world all rolled into one." -Steve Gladbach

Vail pass is only 10,666, so probably not a good option. I'd say Fremont is option 4 @ 11,318 feet. However, the Climax Molybdenium mine owns nearly all the land up there, I'd recommend calling them and asking them before parking at the summit next to their main enterance and car camping. They have a security guard on duty 24/7 that should be able to clarify any questions.

-Ryan

"Climbing mountains is the only thing I know that combines the best of the physical, spiritual, and emotional world all rolled into one." -Steve Gladbach

If you down to work for your altitude (I know you mentioned you'd prefer to car camp) there is a nice little Cabin at Deluge Lake in the Gores at 11,700. Beautiful basin with some nice 13ers available if you so desire. The hike in is kinda long. Take a heavy pack in and stay the night, that would be some good training if you ask me.

Edit: Forget about Fremont, they're dicks up there plus it would be loud as mentioned.

Before I went which was a few years ago, I skinned up at A Basin several times a week which gets you up to like 12,400. I also camped at 13,000 ft on Loveland Pass. I parked at the parking lot on the road and packed up the ridge to the top before you turn to head toward Torreys. It was good training for Aconcagua. December 27th, very windy and cold. Much like the peak above the 14,000 ft base camp on Aconcagua. Good luck.

There's also Monarch Pass at 11,312 which is probably pretty quite at night.

But better yet would be Cottonwood Pass (just west of Buena Vista) at 12,126. With the west side down off of the pass being a dirt road, I bet you wouldn't have ANY traffic at night!

"Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet My unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor My covenant of peace be removed," says the Lord, who has compassion on you. (Isaiah 54:10)

ThnkSno wrote:Looking for any advice on preparing for my climb on Aconcagua this January. I'll be in the mtns most of December but would like to get in a few nights up higher and would prefer car sleeping out of convenience. What would be the highest road/trailhead?

An idea that came to me would be to car camp at the Mayflower Gulch TH which is near Fremont Pass at ~11,000' and do climbs of either Drift Pk 13,900' or Atlantic Peak 13,841 or Pacific Peak 13,950'. The parking lot is fairly big and you could find a dark corner away from the highway so it won't be noisy.

• It's by getting away from life that we can see it most clearly... It's by depriving ourselves of the myriad of everyday experiences that we renew our appreciation for them...I've learned from my experiences in the mountains that I love life. — Dave Johnston• Mountains are not climbed merely to reach a geographical location — but as personal and spiritual challenges to the participants. — David Stein • The best climber in the world is the one who’s having the most fun.— Alex Lowe• Why do I climb the mountain? Because I'm in love! — The Captain